London, Edward Arnold, 1920, 1st edition. 479 pp, 21 b/w illustrations, 2 maps. Larger hardcover in original maroon cloth, gold spine letters and title. Edge wear at the top and bottom of spine, but no foxing or internal marks. Fine.
This biography of Horace Benedict de Saussure, the person who instigated the first ascent of Mont Blanc won Freshfield a doctorate of Laws from the University of Geneva. Neate calls it, "A delightful study of early mountaineering..."
Douglas Freshfield was a prominent member of the Royal Geographical Society. He was a pioneer climber in the Caucasus, the Himalayas, and the mountainous regions of many other countries. Although the dominating interest of his life was mountain exploration, and though he continuously devoted his leisure to the affairs of Royal Geographical Society and of his beloved Alpine Club, he found time for many other activities. He served for several years as Treasurer of the Hellenic and Roman Societies, as Chairman of the Committe of the Society of Authors.
In 1899 he visited India, Burma, and Ceylon, accomplishing his second greatest journey of exploration by the first circuit of Kangchenjunga. He was accompanied by Professor Garwood, who produced a map which was considered the best for the whole district. His last great journey was made at sixty years of age. Returning from the meeting of the British Association in South Africa in 1905 when he made an attempt on Ruwenzori, then still known as the mysterious Mountains of the Moon. Mr. Freshfield edited the Alpine Journal and also wrote The Exploration of the Caucasus, Round Kangchenjunga, Italian Alps, and Below the Snow Line.
